Association of Identity and Intimacy: An Exploration of Gender and Sex-Role Orientation

Abstract

This study examined Erikson's psychosocial crises of identity versus identity diffusion and intimacy versus isolation, focusing specifically on how sex-role orientation contributes to gender differences in the resolution of these two crises. Perceptions of competence in self-disclosure and emotional support in both same-sex friendships and relationships with heterosexual dating partners, along with achievement of ideological and interpersonal identity, were included in the study so that differences could be examined. First-year and fourth-year college students ( n = 135) at a large midwestern university responded to measures assessing identity, capacity for intimacy, and sex-role orientation. When controlling for sex-role orientation, the relationship between identity and intimacy was nonsignificant for men but significant for women.